Dear Community:

The Word of God on this Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to reflect on our relationship with God and with the world in which we live. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Through these words, He reminds us that although we have responsibilities in society, our lives belong, above all, to God, who created us out of love and calls us to live in truth, justice, and fraternity.

Jesus teaches us that faith does not distance us from our daily responsibilities; rather, it inspires us to fulfill them with honesty and commitment. As Christians, we are called to be responsible citizens, respect just laws, work for the common good, and defend the dignity of every person. Our faith should be reflected in our decisions, in the way we treat others, and in our willingness to build a more compassionate and peaceful society.

However, the Lord also invites us to ask ourselves: What place does God hold in our lives? Sometimes, worries, work, obligations, and material possessions can take center stage in our hearts. Yet nothing and no one can replace the love of God. Giving God what belongs to Him means offering Him our hearts, trusting in His will, making time for prayer, and allowing His Word to guide our thoughts and actions.

On this Sunday, let us ask the Lord for the grace to live our faith consistently, being good citizens and authentic disciples of Jesus. May our words and actions bear witness to the Gospel in our families, in our parish community, and throughout the world. Let us remember that we bear the image of God within us and are called to reflect His love wherever we go. May the Blessed Virgin Mary accompany us and help us always keep God at the center of our lives.

Rev. Julio Fernández